Being gay as a tool?

Has anyone ever used being gay as a tool? For perhaps a job, audition or to make a quick friend in an awkward situation or something?

I find myself often using it to my advantage, around here it seems people are super open to gay guys and it can come in handy for jobs on campus because people are eager for diversity and representation of the diversity and all that jazz...

Just once. The director of the company I did vac work for was so obvioulsy gay that I just kept smiling and laughing at his jokes during the interview process. The next day they phoned me saying I got the position.

I used to use it to close sales when i ran electroncis and appliane stores.

When i detected the "gay vibe" i would play on it. Even if the guy was with his wife. It actually worked better then. heh.. But hey, it helped get me a lot of bonus money. My employees and co-managers were always so suprised at how well it worked.

Would never use it to get a job, as sexuality is not relevant in the workplace; not unless you are selling your body. No, maybe because my sexuality does not define me as a whole, it's only a truly small part.

I never intentionally used it, but somtimes would get comped drinks and food if the bartender or server was gay. Hasn't happened in years though.

Probably more likely to happen if you are young. Enjoy youth while you can!

On a more serious note, I had a supervisor early in my career who was gay. I wouldn't say I actually received preferential treatment from him, but after I came out to him, he did take me under his wing to some extent and I felt like he had my back. I'm sure being gay played a part in that even if it wasn't on a conscious level.

During an interview for my current job as a TA on campus, one of the interviewers said they did not think a white male was diverse enough to teach diversity, one of the classes I teach. I threw out the gay card. I got the job.